Board honors students, bus drivers and road crews after winter response

HENDERSON COUNTY — During its Feb. 16 meeting the Henderson County Board of Education recognized student ambassadors, two Judge's Scholars and the district's transportation and local road crews for efforts that helped restore in-person instruction after extreme winter weather.

Superintendent Doctor Lawson invited student ambassadors to describe their high-school pathways and postsecondary plans; seniors introduced themselves and noted career and college intentions. "In-person instruction is what we know is best," Doctor Lawson said while thanking staff and community partners for their roles in enabling students to return to campus.

The board spotlighted city and county road departments for their snow- and ice-clearing work. Brian Williams of the city public works credited mechanics, garage staff and cross-department support for continuous operations during the storm; county road official Nick Stallings described route staffing and long hours to clear critical routes.

The transportation department and bus drivers were singled out as well. Transportation staff said they proactively checked routes, established alternate pickup locations when needed and contacted families to coordinate safe transportation — actions credited with improving attendance on a built-in makeup day.

The meeting also included recognitions of student achievement: Niagara Elementary student Ruth Lawson and North Middle School student Isabella Sutton were named Judge's Scholars for leadership, academics and community involvement. Ruth told the board she felt proud of the recognition and the experience of being announced in court.

The district took a group photo of staff and community partners for social media acknowledgment. The recognitions segment closed before the board moved on to routine business.